Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) 101

In 1991, the state legislature enacted the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Law to address growing concern for traffic congestion, air pollution, and gas dependency. Research identified the number of cars on the road as a main contributing factor to these issues.

The CTR law aims to encourage workers to drive alone less by riding the bus, walking or biking, sharing the ride, or skipping it all together by teleworking or compressing your work week. All of these commute alternatives help decrease carbon emissions and keep the busiest commute routes flowing, not to mention save commuters money!

Who is Affected?

The CTR law applies to all employers, including public and private, that have 100 or more "affected" employees who work at a single worksite, and to all state agencies in the urban growth areas of Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater.

"Affected employees" are employees who:

Work full-time (35 or more hours per week), and

Are scheduled to begin work between 6 and 9 a.m. on two or more weekdays for at least 12 continuous months at a single worksite.

CTR Program Requirements:

To comply with CTR Law, worksites must designate an Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC), who will:

Prominently display ETC contact information at worksite

Attend Basic Training within one year of assignment

Distribute information to employees about commute alternatives to driving alone at least once a year

Implement a set of measures geared toward achieving the CTR goals

Make a good faith effort

Collaborate with neighboring CTR worksites

Survey employees about their commute habits every two years or as required by the jurisdiction

Submit an Annual Report and Program Description

Provide notice when making major changes to CTR program, such as a worksite move, a new ETC, or a significant change in subsidies and incentives